ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has approved an increase in monthly allowances for National Youth Service Corps members serving in the state, raising the payment “from N4,000 to as much as N50,000.”
Under the new structure, corps members in Abia will receive a base allowance of N20,000.
In addition to this N20,000, those posted to state government establishments will get another N10,000, while medical and teaching corps members will receive an added N30,000 monthly.
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“In addition to the Federal Government’s increased monthly NYSC allowance of N77,000, all corps members serving in Abia State will now earn a base monthly allowance of N20,000, while those serving within state government establishments, and specifically teaching and medical personnel, will earn an additional discriminatory allowance of N10,000 and N30,000, respectively to motivate interested corp members, thereby bridging the human capacity gap created by decades of neglect and attrition in both sectors,” the statement read.
The increment is said to complement the Federal Government’s new N77,000 NYSC monthly allowance and is part of the governor’s wider plan to boost youth empowerment and strengthen the public sector in Abia.
“This marks the first major adjustment after 27 years, reflecting Governor Otti’s commitment to youth empowerment and workforce development in Abia,” the statement added.
It was also noted that the administration has previously supported corps members by renovating the NYSC Orientation Camp in Bende Local Government Area, upgrading internal roads, installing power infrastructure, and improving camp facilities even though the camp is federal property.
“The governor believes that every institution or infrastructure within Abia, whether federal or state-owned, deserves attention because it is Abians who benefit the most,” the CPS further noted.
The statement also recalled that the government recently implemented the Consolidated Health Salary Structure for health workers in the state and extended it to local government workers, aligning their salaries with federal standards to encourage productivity and morale in the health sector.
Around 35 per cent of the state’s budget reportedly goes into healthcare and education, which the administration describes as “pillars of institutional capacity and human capital development.”
According to the governor, these reforms are aimed at making service more rewarding for corps members and encouraging young professionals to play meaningful roles in Abia’s development.
“Governor Otti’s latest move sends a clear message: Abia State is serious about empowering youth, rewarding excellence, and building a future where service is truly valued,” the statement added.
With this increment, Abia now ranks among the states offering some of the highest stipends to NYSC members.
Meanwhile, on August 1, Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, announced that he increased the monthly allowance for corps members serving in Adamawa State from N20,000 to N30,000.
The announcement was made during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2025 Batch B Stream I corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Damare, Girei Local Government Area.
“As a government, we are committed to improving the welfare of corps members.
“This increment aligns with our promise to create a friendly and supportive atmosphere for you,” the governor stated.